Catholic Monarchs: The Elevation of the County of Medinaceli to Duchy in 1479

In the tumultuous year of 1479, a monumental turn in the history of Spanish nobility occurred when the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, decided to elevate the County of Medinaceli to a Duchy. This act not only represented a symbol of power and grandeur but also introduced the Ducal House of Medinaceli to an era marked by intrigues and conflicts that would define its legacy. But what motivated this decision? What secrets and dramas lay hidden behind the walls of a duchy that once shone with splendor and also experienced decline? This article explores the history of the Ducal House of Medinaceli, its rise to power, and the shadows that haunted it.

The Historical Context: The Rise of the Catholic Monarchs

The unification of Spain under the Catholic Monarchs was a process fraught with rivalries and strategic alliances. In this context, the nobility played a fundamental role. Beginning in 1469, Ferdinand and Isabella became a formidable duo, consolidating their power through marriages and conquests. The elevation of the County of Medinaceli to a Duchy was part of their strategy to secure loyalties and reward those who supported them in their unification efforts.

The County of Medinaceli, established in 1368 by King Peter I of Castile, had been an important fief, but its transformation into a Duchy in 1479 represented an unprecedented recognition. Documents from the time, such as the records from the National Historical Archive, indicate that this decision aimed not only to strengthen the position of the Ducal House but also to ensure its loyalty during times of political turmoil.

The Grandeur of the Duchy of Medinaceli

Upon becoming Dukes, the Medinaceli acquired a status that allowed them to exercise a cont...